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DTR 10 Step Prep - PARENTS PAGE

Parents Guide – Weekly Learning Companion

The DTR 10 Step Prep curriculum helps students build clear strategies for graduation, college access, career exploration, leadership, and life readiness. Each week students complete structured lessons and produce portfolio artifacts that document their preparation journey. Parents and guardians play an important role in reinforcing these lessons at home. Follow along and participate in the 10 Step Prep journey. Engage your scholar in the extension activities detailed below. Have fun!

~Uncle J

PHASE 1. Foundation & READINESS (Weeks 1-6)

WEEK 1 – Orientation & Purpose

What Students Are Learning

Students are being introduced to the DTR 10 Step Prep framework and reflecting on their long-term goals. They begin the program by developing a Personal Purpose Statement that describes who they are becoming and what they want their future to look like.

Why This Matters

Students who develop a sense of purpose early are more likely to stay motivated, persist through challenges, and complete postsecondary goals.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What kind of graduate do you want to become by the time you finish high school?”

Family Support Tip

Share a personal story about a goal you worked toward and how preparation helped you reach it.

WEEK 2 – Graduation Requirements

What Students Are Learning

Students are reviewing graduation requirements and building a four-year roadmap to ensure they stay on track academically.

Why This Matters

Many students fall behind simply because they do not fully understand credit requirements or academic timelines.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What classes or credits do you need to graduate?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage your student to review their academic plan regularly and communicate with their counselor when questions arise.

WEEK 3 – Scholarships & Financial Strategy

What Students Are Learning

Students are learning how scholarships, grants, and financial aid work and creating a Scholarship Action Plan.

Why This Matters

College affordability often improves dramatically when students begin researching funding opportunities early.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What types of scholarships might you qualify for?”

Family Support Tip

Help your student keep a list of community organizations, employers, or groups that may offer scholarship opportunities.

WEEK 4 – Self-Discovery

What Students Are Learning

Students are identifying personal strengths, interests, and values through guided reflection activities.

Why This Matters

Students who understand their strengths make more confident academic and career decisions.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What are some strengths you feel proud of?”

Family Support Tip

Share one strength you notice in your child and explain why you admire it.

WEEK 5 – Academic Positioning & Electives

What Students Are Learning

Students are exploring how course selection and electives influence college admissions and career readiness.

Why This Matters

Electives can demonstrate passion, discipline, and curiosity when aligned with a student’s interests.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What electives would you enjoy taking next year?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage your student to choose courses that challenge them while reflecting their interests.

WEEK 6 – Productive Summers

What Students Are Learning

Students are planning how to use summer breaks productively through enrichment programs, internships, employment, or skill building.

Why This Matters

Summer experiences can strengthen college applications and build real-world skills.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What would you like to learn or experience next summer?”

Family Support Tip

Explore local opportunities such as camps, internships, volunteer programs, or summer jobs together.

PHASE 2. STRATEGY & PREPARATION (WEEKS 7-12)

WEEK 7 – Standardized Testing Awareness

What Students Are Learning

Students are reviewing standardized testing timelines and strategies for preparing for exams like the SAT or ACT.

Why This Matters

Understanding testing expectations early can reduce anxiety and improve preparation.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“How do you plan to prepare for upcoming tests?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage your student to create a study routine and practice consistently over time.

WEEK 8 – Organization & Study Systems

What Students Are Learning

Students are building personal organization systems to manage assignments, deadlines, and responsibilities.

Why This Matters

Organization skills help students balance academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What tools help you stay organized?”

Family Support Tip

Help your student set aside a regular time each week to review assignments and plan ahead.

WEEK 9 – Career Exploration

What Students Are Learning

Students are researching career pathways that match their interests, skills, and values.

Why This Matters

Early career exploration helps students connect academic choices to future opportunities.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What careers are you curious about exploring?”

Family Support Tip

Introduce your student to professionals you know who work in different fields.

WEEK 10 – Extracurricular Activities

What Students Are Learning

Students are creating a balanced plan for extracurricular involvement and community service.

Why This Matters

Extracurricular experiences help students develop leadership, teamwork, and time management skills.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What activity would you enjoy being involved in this year?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage consistency and commitment rather than joining too many activities at once.

WEEK 11 – Networking & Mentorship

What Students Are Learning

Students are learning the importance of mentors and supportive relationships.

Why This Matters

Support networks provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“Who are adults you trust that you could ask for advice?”

Family Support Tip

Help your student identify teachers, coaches, or family members who could serve as mentors.

WEEK 12 – Midpoint Reflection

What Students Are Learning

Students reflect on their progress and evaluate how their goals and plans are developing.

Why This Matters

Reflection helps students adjust strategies and remain focused on long-term goals.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What progress are you proud of so far?”

Family Support Tip

Celebrate milestones and encourage continued effort.

Phase 3. LEADERSHIP & TRANSITION (WEEKS 13-18)

WEEK 13 – Leadership Development

What Students Are Learning

Students explore leadership as responsibility, influence, and service rather than simply holding titles.

Why This Matters

Leadership skills are highly valued in college admissions and professional environments.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“Where do you already show leadership?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage your student to take initiative and help others in everyday situations.

WEEK 14 – Professional Networking

What Students Are Learning

Students practice communication strategies for building professional relationships.

Why This Matters

Strong communication and networking skills open doors to opportunities and mentorship.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“If you could ask a professional any question about their career, what would it be?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage your student to practice introducing themselves confidently.

WEEK 15 – Professional Communication

What Students Are Learning

Students are learning how to write professional emails and deliver an elevator pitch.

Why This Matters

Clear communication builds credibility and confidence.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“How would you introduce yourself to a professional in 30 seconds?”

Family Support Tip

Practice mock introductions together.

WEEK 16 – Personal Branding

What Students Are Learning

Students begin creating resumes and organizing achievements into a personal portfolio.

Why This Matters

Documenting accomplishments early helps students prepare for applications and scholarships.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What accomplishments are you proud of so far?”

Family Support Tip

Help your student collect records of awards, service hours, and activities.

WEEK 17 – Capstone Preparation

What Students Are Learning

Students finalize their readiness portfolios and prepare to present their progress.

Why This Matters

Presentation skills help students communicate their achievements confidently.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What part of your journey are you most proud of?”

Family Support Tip

Encourage your student to practice explaining their accomplishments clearly.

WEEK 18 – Showcase & Celebration

What Students Are Learning

Students present their final portfolio and reflect on their growth during the program.

Why This Matters

Celebrating accomplishments strengthens confidence and reinforces readiness for the next stage of their journey.

At-Home Conversation Starter

“What did you learn about yourself during this program?”

Family Support Tip

Recognize your student’s effort and encourage them to continue building momentum toward their goals.

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CLICK TO ACCESS MORE FAMILY RESOURCES FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION PREP, ACCESS, & SUCCESS

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